Return to Research Areas at ORI

The scientific methods that underpin behavioral research are constantly advancing.  Sound techniques and illuminating statistical analyses are the foundations of good science.

ORI scientists specialize in promoting state-of-the-art statistical techniques.  We were among the first to use the cutting-edge technique of latent growth modeling to help us understand the patterns of behavior change we observe in our longitudinal studies. This technique identifies patterns of change over time.  A more complete understanding of behavior change over time includes the individual, the family, neighborhood, and community in the same study.  ORI scientists pioneered the use of this technique so that these various influences to be examined simultaneously.    

Predictors of Change Profiles in Studies of Adolescent Substance Abusers (Profiles)

Researchers are combining data from six adolescent treatment outcome studies to examine predictors of distinct patterns of change.

Principal Investigator: Charles Turner

Co-Investigators: Holly Waldron, Hy Hops (Mike Robbins, University of Miami)

Project Period: 6/1/08 - 4/30/12

National Institute on Drug Abuse

Item Response Theory for Sequential Data in Drug Therapy (IRT)

The investigator is developing an application of item response theory (IRT) for sequentially coded process data in clinical research.

Principal Investigator: Tim Ozechowski

Co-Investigator: Derek Briggs (University of Colorado)

Project Period: 9/28/07 - 8/31/09

National Institute on Drug Abuse

A Pilot Test of the Functional Family Therapy Coding and Rating Scale (FFT CARS)

Research scientists are conducting a pilot study of the Functional Family Therapy Coding and Rating Scale, a theory-driven observational research tool for rating and coding the presence of manual-based therapist interventions and techniques in functional family therapy sessions.

Principal Investigator: Tim Ozechowski

Project Period: 7/26/07 - 6/30/09

National Institute on Drug Abuse